High Energy Particle Physics

Our main field of research is experimental High Energy Physics (HEP). We study proton-proton collisions at the largest and most energetic particle accelerator in the world, the Large Hadron Collider or LHC, located in Geneva, Switzerland at the European physics laboratory CERN. Our primary research is at the CMS experiment, one of the four large particle detectors at the LHC. We also do R&D on tracking detectors for a large-scale experiment at a future Electron-Ion Collider in the US. Another research area is the development and construction of a muon tomography systems for detecting nuclear contraband hidden in cargo and other applications.

Demystify the universe

What is dark matter? Are there extra-dimensions of space? Are there new fundamental forces or interactions? What is the origin of mass? Why is there a matter-antimatter asymmetry in the Universe? We are searching for answers to the most fundamental questions about the mysteries of the Universe.

Develop new technology

We are using the latest detector technology to study in detail the collisions produced in the LHC. New tools are being developed to handle and analyze the enormous volume of data collected by the CMS experiment. Improved and new detectors are being developed for future high-intensity operations at the LHC.

Explore new ideas

The Standard Model of particle physics is a successful theory but still cannot explain the most fundamental questions about the Universe. Many new theories beyond the standard model have been proposed and are being tested at the LHC. We also explore new ideas to test new theories in simulations of future new particle collider experiments.

Train the next generation

We train graduate and undergraduate students at all levels in hands-on hardware work and data analysis techniques for High Energy Physics.